In the past few years, the infertility struggles of millions of Americans have come to light. With over six million women and three million men suffering from some sort of infertility, it’s no surprise that 14 out of every 100 couples have trouble conceiving. While these issues are serious, it doesn’t even touch on the millions of same-sex couples and single parents who also want to build their families.
The psychological impacts of infertility can include anxiety, depression, and low morale. To mitigate and minimize the issues their employees suffer, many employers are offering fertility benefits for their employees. Learn more about how these fertility benefits are changing lives when you read on here.
Fertility Treatments Are Mainstream
Because so many people deal with infertility, and because young people are choosing to become parents later in life, fertility treatments have transitioned into something a little more commonplace. Despite this change in practice and perception, most companies still don’t offer fertility benefits. Currently, only about 400 companies throughout the United States have policies that cover the cost of IVF. Most people who underwent IVF in the last year paid for it out of pocket.
It will take time for fertility treatments to enter the majority of benefits for employees, but change is here and it will gain momentum over the coming years.
Why Offer Fertility Benefits?
Of the few companies that currently offer fertility benefits to employees, some have been more outspoken about their choices. They believe that receiving comprehensive fertility benefits provides a lot of emotional support for both men and women in the workplace, removes the barriers to quality professional care, and offers essential information for those seeking assistance.
These companies have been seeing incredibly high demand for fertility treatments — especially when conventional insurance doesn’t offer adequate coverage. Many current treatment plans are filled with dollar maximums, lack of support, and mandatory pre-certifications that aren’t covered by the insurer.
Employers have noticed the need for fertility benefits and are looking to work with insurers that offer proper financial support and information. Since infertility should be considered the same as any other medical condition, it’s not fair to exclude coverage for it from regular insurance plans.
Benefits for Employers
Most employers understand that happy, healthy workers do better work. They’re more productive, efficient, and effective employees. Since infertility and the required treatments are emotionally and physically demanding, ensuring employees have proper support and fertility benefits will help address some of these extenuating side effects.
Some companies are very good at addressing the financial burden that fertility treatments place on their employees, but aren’t as understanding of the mental concerns. Ensuring their fertility benefits for employees also include some sort of mental health professional or advocate that can help relieve the anxiety and emotional turmoil surrounding everything from office visits to treatment options is crucial.
The Results
For those companies that offer quality fertility benefits, there has been a major change in the successful births and experiences of their employees. Here are some of the number’s we see changing:
- Live birth rate per transfer rose from 42% to 52.7%
- Pregnancy rate per IVF treatment rose from 52.5% to 60%
- Miscarriage rate dropped from 18.5% to 12%
- Twinning rates dropped from 16% to 4%
Ensuring employees have the accessibility they need to find experienced and effective alternative family planning clinics greatly affects the success of their treatments and their ability to create a family.
Other Benefits
In addition to helping your employees, fertility benefits can also help your company in other ways. It creates a sense of inclusivity and support for a diverse workplace. Your company also reinforces its values and appreciation of employee efforts. These benefits can even be used as a recruiting tool to attract quality employees.
Because of the number of people impacted by infertility, there is a good chance you already have employees that need alternative family planning services. Employers who have made efforts to help these employees with better coverage see higher loyalty rates from their staff and a tendency for employees to work harder on behalf of the company.
Coverage for Fertility Benefits
There are a number of options for people who are dealing with infertility. At Family Creations, we offer both egg donor and surrogacy services, but intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are also common options. No matter where you live or what fertility services you’re looking for, Family Creations can help direct you with our list of nationwide resources. Find out more about the care you need when you discuss care plans with your insurer and physician.
Family Benefits for Everyone
There have been big strides among employers to offer fertility benefits to their employees. These companies realize that providing financial, physical, and emotional support to all benefits everyone involved.
At Family Creations, we love this shift in the insurance and benefits landscape. With a growing number of people struggling with infertility, surrogacy, egg donation, and IVF treatments are on the rise. To learn how our company can help yours, talk to your insurer about coverage that includes fertility benefits.
If you’re an employee struggling with infertility, reach out to us today to learn more about your options. Choose a compassionate, caring team when you work with Family Creations today.